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Sunday, June 3, 2018

I’m just a hobbyist, but I consider myself a car guy. Due to that, I usually get a lot of flack for not changing my own oil, and taking it to a shop and getting it done. Why do I do it? Cost and time. I always have to end up defending myself. Here’s why it’s okay to get it done.

Let me start by saying that I do know how to change my oil. I believe that everyone should know how to do it for his or her car. The principle is the same for all vehicles, but there are little things that can differ from one vehicle to the next. It’s a great skill to have, but I’ve realized that it’s not always needed.

Cost is a big thing for me to take into consideration. I am cheap. Most people say that changing your own yourself is cheaper. For me, I have found that to not be the case. For my 2005 Mustang, I just use standard oil. I use what Ford says I should. There is a Firestone Complete Auto Care by me that I always use a coupon for. I can get it done for around $23.

Time is also a big factor to think about. With the amount I drive, I have to get an oil change about every three to four months. Not only do I have to change it more frequently then I would like, I also work for about eight companies. I work every day. As of writing this, I’ve had about five days off this year. Do the math: that’s less than one day off per month. Every minute that I can work, I take advantage of it. If I’m under my car worrying about oil, I can’t work. For me, that’s not good.

Weather is big. In Florida, I would rather not be under my car in 114 degrees (as it was last year. With humidity.) Sitting inside the lobby of an air conditioned (or heated if you’re in a northern winter) is a much better idea.

Again, I will stress that it is important to know how to change your oil. It is on the top five of the most basic maintenance things you need to know how to do on your car. However, I have found it more convenient to not do it myself.

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